(BROWNWOOD) – By competing in the 58th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, Texas State Technical College student Destiny Roberts found out something about herself.

The Emergency Medical Services student said her confidence grew by competing in the state and national events. It surprised her when it was announced that she had won the bronze medal in First Aid-CPR at the national event in Atlanta, Georgia, in June.

”It was a nerve-wracking experience waiting on the results,” she said. “There were a lot of people on the stage with me.”

Roberts was able to attend nationals after the state champion, TSTC Paramedic student Robert Rodgers, announced that he would be unable to attend. 

Roberts hopes to build on what she learned at the event.

“Competing in SkillsUSA gave me a lot of confidence in myself,” she said. “I was not sure I wanted to compete at the state event, but once I got there, I knew it was the right decision.”

Instructor Tim Scalley was proud that Roberts worked diligently to prepare herself for both the state and national events.

“It was exciting to see our state listed on the big screen. She was one of three postsecondary students on the stage, so I knew she earned a medal,” he said. “When it was announced she earned the bronze medal, I was so happy for her. Destiny worked hard, and it paid off.”

Roberts and Scalley hope her state and national experience leads to more students competing in SkillsUSA.

“I think more of my classmates may look to compete,” Roberts said. “It was a great experience to represent TSTC and my community.”

She credits her SkillsUSA success to many at TSTC, as well as the training opportunities available at the Brownwood campus.

“It is easier with the equipment we have available. Having the Bluetooth capability on our tablets lets us know if our patient is breathing enough,” she said. “It is helpful to have that technology a fingertip away.”

Roberts said she has always liked helping people and since high school has been working in the medical field. She started as a certified nursing assistant and wanted to be able to offer more.

“I have been in wrecks before and saw the people helping me and others,” she said. “I like the adrenaline rush of helping people. I knew I wanted to be one of those who helps someone when they need it the most.”

According to onetonline.org, the need for emergency medical technicians in Texas is expected to grow 11% by 2028.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic, as well as certificates of completion in Emergency Medical Services – EMT, Emergency Medical Services – Advanced EMT AEMT, and Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic. Additionally, an occupational skills achievement award is available in Emergency Medical Services – EMT. The program is available at the Abilene, Brownwood and Harlingen campuses.